Watford v Stoke team news and line-ups LIVE: Potters make five changes with Giannelli Imbula back in XI
Record signing Imbula recalled for Mark Hughes' men while Watford bring in Jose Holebas for suspended Juan Camilo Zuniga
THIS season's surprise package Watford will look to continue their excellent form at home to Mark Hughes' Stoke.
The Potters are much improved and were unbeaten in six games before a narrow defeat to Bournemouth last time out.
Keep up to date with ALL the Watford and Stoke City news, gossip, transfers and goals on our club page plus fixtures, results and live match commentary
Watford could hit the dizzy heights of the top six with a win and other results go for them.
Meanwhile a win for Mark Hughes side will put clear water between them and the strugglers at the bottom.
Record signing Giannelli Imbula and Glen Johnson are two of five changes to the Potters' starting lineup.
The Hornets make one change, with Jose Holebas in for the suspended Juan Camilo Zuniga.
- Watford have won four and lost just one of their last seven meetings with Stoke (W4 D2 L1).
- Stoke have failed to score in six of their last seven matches against Watford, although they did net twice in this exact fixture last season (2-1), courtesy of goals from Jonathan Walters and Joselu.
- The Potters have been victorious in four of their last six trips to Vicarage Road (D1 L1).
- Troy Deeney has scored in each of his two Premier League appearances against the Potters and a goal in this match would see him net in three consecutive games vs a PL opponent for the first time in his career.
- Deeney (99 goals) could become the fifth player to score 100 goals (all comps) for Watford after Luther Blissett (186), Tommy Barnett (163), Ross Jenkins (142) and Cliff Holton (105).
- Watford have handed a Premier League appearance to players of 19 different nationalities this season; a wider spread than any other team.
- Etienne Capoue has scored five goals from 18 shots in the Premier League this season (28%) – this after failing to score in his previous two Premier League seasons despite attempting 42 shots and playing 45 games.
- Stoke City have collected just one win in their last nine Premier League games away from home (W1 D3 L5).
- Both Stoke and Watford have been given a league-high seven yellow cards for dissent in the Premier League this season (alongside West Ham).
- The Hornets have conceded the most headed goals (8) and the most goals from crosses (10) in the Premier League this season.
RELATED STORIES
